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Engaging over Data on Fracking and Water Quality
Article

Engaging over Data on Fracking and Water Quality

Data alone aren’t the solution, but they bring people together

S. L. Brantley, R. D. Vidic, K. Brasier, D. Yoxtheimer, J. Pollak, C. Wilderman and T. Wen
Science, 2018
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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Innovative
  • Scientific
  • Applicable

Recommendation

Hydraulic fracturing produces not only gas and oil, but also concerns about surface and groundwater contamination. To address such concerns, Penn State geoscientist Susan Brantley and colleagues brought citizens and scientists together to develop a water quality database. The process of creating the database built valuable connections and a sense of community among the public and private parties involved. This article will inspire planners, policy makers, industry representatives and others who seek to build trust and collaboration in controversial circumstances.

Take-Aways

  • The privacy of drilling agreements has left citizens in the dark about possible harm to waterways.
  • Cooperatively creating a database proved invaluable in building trust and communication.
  • Key elements to successful community building were honest brokers, an open agenda, shared control of data, and opportunities to help plan for the future.

About the Authors

Susan L. Brantley is a distinguished professor with the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute at Pennsylvania State University.

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